apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

ah, that's so nice! but i've found a great place, after many months of depressing searching and more than a few hiccups along the way. stay tuned, dear readers, for the details of some of it. . .

Does anyone have any idea how to estimate upholstery costs, or know a good, reasonably priced upholsterer in SF? I'm considering buying some vintage chairs on eBay, but it won't be worth it if I have to break the bank to get them redone.

Any thoughts?? Thanks!

I'm looking for some Sacramento-area readers to help with an ongoing project at the Sacramento Bee. We are looking for people/houses to profile for our Interiors section, which comes out monthly and which is in the process of being revamped. Tips and ideas are more than welcome! Our Jan. 25 issue will have a profile on ceramic artist Tony Natsoulas. His house is amazing and I wish I lived there. Chock-full of art, which works well with AT's art month focus. You can respond directly to me if you want at my work email, lkellar(at)sacbee(dot)com. Thanks!

Liz, I'm in Sacramento and I actually work for the magazine here... if you contact me at this email address, I'll give you info on a friend who lives in a 1910 Craftsman house and her place is a plethora of all things funky, ktichy, artsie... it was on the last house tour in the Poverty Hill section of town (near 20th & T). All us funky midtown artists consider her family, and this our 2nd home...

For John:

It's hard to estimate, it depends on the level of detail, and on the "fabric" (fabric, leather, etc) you'll use for the job (and whether you're supplying it yourself). It's best if you can show a picture to them and get an initial estimate prior to purchase (anyone reputable shouldn't give you a firm estimate anyway until they've seen the chairs in person). You might find a shop that would be willing to look at the eBay page and give you that initial estimate before you buy, I don't know if either of these will, but they're considered reliable:

Tricky Studio on Harrison at (415) 864-6516
Mike Welsh on 17th Street at (415) 621-3639

and a yardage chart to help you estimate the amount of material needed:

http://www.interiormall.com/cat/fabric/upholstery_yardage_chart.htm

Good luck!

I've got one... how to (very economically) make a contemporary fireplace surround, to cover a really out-dated one, but make one that isn't permanent (as I will not be reimbursed for this). I intend to paint it so it doesn't have to be made out of fine wood. Also how to deal with the much-needed fireplace doors, these are black & brass, and I need them to help block draft but they are so ugly they're oooogly.